WARNINGS:
Potential for alternate site burns increases if the return electrode is compromised. The use of split return
electrodes and desiccators with a contact quality monitoring system is recommended.
Minor neuromuscular stimulation is possible when arcs between the ACTIVE ELECTRODE and tissue occur.
The desiccator has been designed to minimize the possibility of neuromuscular stimulation.
The entire area of the neutral electrode (NE) should be reliably attached to the patient’s body and as close to
the operating field as possible. Refer to NE instructions for use.
The cables to surgical electrodes should be positioned in such a way that contact with the patient or other
leads is avoided. Temporarily unused active electrodes should be stored so that they are isolated from
the patient.
Do not wrap the accessory cords or return electrode cords around metal objects. This may induce currents
that could lead to shocks, fires, or injury to the patient or surgical team.
The use of flammable anesthetics or oxidizing gases such as nitrous oxide (N
2
O) and oxygen should be
avoided if a surgical procedure is carried out in the region of the thorax or the head, unless these agents are
sucked away.
Non-flammable agents should be used for cleaning and disinfection wherever possible.
Flammable agents used for cleaning or disinfecting, or as solvents of adhesives, should be allowed to
evaporate before the application if HF surgery. There is a risk of pooling flammable solutions under the
patient or in body depressions such as the umbilicus, and in body cavities such as the vagina. Any fluids
pooled in these areas should be mopped up before HF surgical equipment is used. Attention should be called
to the danger of ignition of endogenous gases. Some materials, for example cotton, wool and gauze, when
saturated with oxygen may be ignited by sparks produced in Normal Use of the HF surgical equipment.
CAUTIONS:
At no time should you touch the active electrode or bipolar forceps. A burn could result.
Do not stack equipment on top of the desiccator or place the desiccator on top of electrical
equipment. These configurations are unstable and/or do not allow adequate cooling.
Provide as much distance as possible between the electrosurgical desiccator and other electronic equipment
(such as monitors). An activated electrosurgical desiccator may cause interference
with them.
Non-function of the desiccator may cause interruption of surgery. A backup desiccator should be available
for use.
Do not turn the activation tone down to an inaudible level. The activation tone alerts the surgical team when
an accessory is active.
When using a smoke evacuator in conjunction with the electrosurgical desiccator, place the smoke evacuator
a distance from the desiccator and set the desiccator volume control at a level that ensures that the
activation tones can be heard.
The use of high frequency current can interfere with the function of other electromagnetic equipment.
When high frequency surgical equipment and physiological monitoring equipment are used
simultaneously on the same patient, place any monitoring electrodes as far as possible from
the surgical electrodes. Monitoring systems incorporating high frequency current-limiting devices
are recommended.
Do not use needles as monitoring electrodes during electrosurgical procedures. Inadvertent
electrosurgical burns may result.
To avoid the possibility of an electrosurgical burn to either the patient or the physicians, do
not allow the patient to come in contact with a grounded metal object during activation. When
activating the unit, do not allow direct skin contact between the patient and the physician.
The patient should not come in contact with metal parts which are earthed or which have an appreciable
capacitance to earth (for example operating table supports, etc.). The use of antistatic sheeting is
recommended for this purpose.
5
User’s Guide • McKesson Argent High Frequency Electrosurgical Desiccator - MFR # 22-A942
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